VET20080 Integrated Physiological Communication

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module integrates and develops understanding of how cell-cell and tissue communication is important to animals of veterinary significance. The endocrine system is used as an exemplar of coordinated signalling which incorporates feedback patterns, hormones and hormone receptors, cellular responses and disturbed function (pathologies are used to illustrate selected points).This module also develops the principles of signalling by endogenous substances to the actions of exogenous molecules (drugs, toxins, xenobiotics). This way of thinking is developed into an introduction of pharmacology and specifically, how normal signalling systems lend themselves to regulation by drugs (pharmcodynamics).

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1) Compare and contrast cell signalling systems (neuronal, humoral, circulating and immune).
2) Review endocrine principles and interpret the role(s) of i) adrenal glucocorticoids ii) thyroid hormones iii) growth hormone using veterinary examples.
3) Describe endocrine control of metabolism (carbohydrates/lipid metabolism, tissue and bone growth and calcium balance) in domestic species.
4) Develop, with examples, an awareness of how xenobiotics (drugs) can be used both as a tool with which to study normal physiological function and also as therapeutic agents for cancer, central nervous system and intestinal disease treatment in veterinary medicine.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18

Small Group

4

Computer Aided Lab

6

Specified Learning Activities

2

Autonomous Student Learning

99

Total

129

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
active/task-based learning;
group work;
lectures;
critical writing;
reflective learning;
lab/studio work;
enquiry & problem-based learning;
discussions / debates 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
VET10080 - Cell and Whole Body Metabolism

Incompatibles:
VET30380 - Homeostasis & fluid balance


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: PhysioX Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No

10

Assignment: Study group Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No

15

Examination: End-Term written paper 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No

65

Continuous Assessment: Vascular rings Unspecified n/a Graded No

10


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback, from continuous assessments and mid-term MCQ, will be relayed to the class as a group. Students will also be given the option to contact the module coordinator for specific individually feedback as required.

Name Role
Professor Alan Baird Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor David Brayden Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Daniel Crean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Fiona McCartney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alison Reynolds Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sinead Ryan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Deirdre Campion Tutor
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor
Ms Margot Labberté Tutor
Ms Michelle Purcell Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor